Kalpit Kaya Mohanty
Bhubaneswar: The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, has long been shrouded in mystery and legend. One of the most intriguing aspects of this ancient temple is the belief that no planes can fly over it. This claim has captured the imagination of devotees and skeptics alike, leading to numerous theories and explanations. But what's the real truth behind this phenomenon?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no official no-fly zone over the Jagannath Temple. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have not issued any specific restrictions for aircraft flying over the temple. However, the absence of air traffic over the temple can be attributed to a combination of factors, including geography, flight paths, and respect for religious sentiments.
Puri, where the Jagannath Temple is located, is not on any major air route. The nearest airport, Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, is about 60 kilometers away. Most commercial flights approaching or departing from Bhubaneswar do not need to fly directly over Puri, explaining the lack of air traffic over the temple.
Dr. Bimal Prasad a historian specializing in Odia culture, offers insight into the origin of this belief: "The notion that planes cannot fly over the Jagannath Temple is deeply rooted in local folklore. It's a testament to the reverence people have for the deity. While there's no scientific basis for this belief, it has persisted due to the temple's spiritual significance and the coincidental lack of air routes overhead."
The magnetic field theory, often cited as the reason for the alleged no-fly zone, has been debunked by scientists. Dr. Sanjay Mohapatra, a physicist at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, explains: "There's no evidence of any unusual magnetic field around the Jagannath Temple that could interfere with aircraft. The Earth's magnetic field is relatively uniform, and local variations are not significant enough to affect modern aviation equipment."
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief has been reinforced by the respect airlines show for religious sentiments. Many pilots and airlines choose to avoid flying directly over significant religious sites out of cultural sensitivity, not due to any official restriction or physical impediment.
Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra, a senior pilot with over 30 years of experience, shares his perspective: "In my career, I've never encountered any official directive prohibiting flights over the Jagannath Temple. However, it's a common practice among pilots to be mindful of culturally important sites. If it doesn't significantly alter our flight path, we often choose to fly around such areas out of respect."
The Jagannath Temple's architectural marvel adds another layer to the mystery. Standing at 214 feet, the temple's main spire, or 'Nilachakra', is an impressive sight. Some speculate that its height could pose a risk to low-flying aircraft, but modern planes typically cruise at altitudes far above this.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), responsible for the temple's conservation, has never reported any issues related to air traffic. An ASI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: "Our focus is on preserving the temple's structure and heritage. We've never had to deal with any concerns related to aircraft flying overhead. The no-fly zone belief is more a matter of faith than official policy."
As with many aspects of the Jagannath Temple, the truth behind the no-fly zone belief is a blend of fact, fiction, and faith. While there's no official restriction or scientific phenomenon preventing planes from flying over the temple, the combination of flight paths, cultural respect, and deeply held beliefs has created a de facto situation where air traffic over the temple is minimal.
